Berkeley public meetings in 2023
27 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
12-5-2023_Special Rent Board Meeting video_CAPTIONED
The Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board is holding a special meeting primarily to convene in closed session for a public employee performance evaluation of the General Counsel. No other substantive agenda items are listed; the meeting includes roll call, land acknowledgment, public comment limited to agendized items, and adjournment.
- Closed session evaluation of the General Counsel pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
RSB Regular Meeting December 21 2023
The Rent Stabilization Board will hold elections for its Chair and Vice-Chair. The body is also deciding on the 2024 meeting schedule and the authority to appeal zoning decisions that eliminate rent-stabilized units.
- Election of Rent Board Chair and Vice-Chair
- Resolution 23-32 to revise the Rent Board’s Records Retention Schedule
- Resolution 23-33 to establish the 2024 Regular Rent Board Meeting Schedule
- Resolution 23-34 regarding appeals of Zoning Adjustments Board or Zoning Officer decisions
- Discussion on placing Rent Ordinance Amendments on the November 2024 general election
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustment Board will consider approving a use permit to convert a single-family home into a duplex with nine bedrooms and a permit to change a retail space into a veterinary clinic. The board will also approve the 2024 meeting schedule and minutes from a previous meeting.
- Approval of 2024 ZAB meeting schedule
- Approval of November 30, 2023 action minutes
- Use Permit #ZP2023-0098: 2800 Martin Luther King Jr. Way (duplex)
- Use Permit #ZP2023-0088: 2573 Shattuck Avenue (veterinary clinic)
- Use Permit #ZP2023-0122: 1287 Gilman Avenue (wine bar) - Continued
RSB Special Meeting December 4 2023
The Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board will meet to consider authorizing a contract for temporary staff to assist with eviction notices and resolutions regarding the conflict in Gaza and refugee housing.
- Contract with ACRO Services Corp. not to exceed $15,000 for eviction staff
- Resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine and Israel
- Resolution invoking Regulation 1017 for temporary below-market refugee housing
RSB Regular Meeting November 16 2023
The Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board will meet to approve a contract for digital conversion of property files and consider waivers for late registration fees. The meeting will also include updates on eviction tracking and committee reports.
- Contract with BMI Imaging Systems for up to $99,100
- Waivers for late registration penalties at 20 properties
- Eviction Moratorium update
- Owner Move-in Eviction Tracking Report
- Summary of Ellis Act Evictions
RSB Special Board Meeting October 23 2023
The Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board will consider adopting three resolutions at this special meeting: confirming the 2024 Annual General Adjustment (AGA) of 1.9% for rent increases, raising relocation assistance payments by 2.9% effective January 1, 2024, and authorizing a contract modification for closed captioning services. The board will also hear an appeal from a master tenant regarding a petition decision and vote on late registration penalty waivers.
- Resolution 23-25: Confirm 2024 AGA of 1.9% and publish as Regulation 1146
- Resolution 23-26: Increase relocation assistance payments for Owner Move-in and Ellis Act evictions by 2.9%
- Resolution 23-27: Authorize contract modification with QuickCaption, Inc. for closed captioning through June 2024
- Appeal Case T-6014 (2425 Fulton St, Unit 4): Master tenant appeals hearing decision on rent overpayment
- Consent items: approval of meeting minutes and 23 waiver requests for late registration penalties
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustment Board will consider approving two new housing projects and an appeal regarding a hot tub permit. The meeting will be held in person and remotely.
- Approval of 2712 Telegraph Avenue mixed-use project with 40 units
- Approval of 2411 Sixth Street single-family home replacement
- Appeal of hot tub permit at 2924 Russell Street
- Approval of September 28, 2023 meeting minutes
- Hybrid meeting format with in-person and Zoom options
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustment Board will meet to consider three public hearings for land use permits, including a new addition to a single-family home and a proposed car wash. The meeting will be held in person and remotely.
- Approval of September 14, 2023 minutes
- 2424 Jefferson Avenue: New 26-sq-ft addition to single-family home
- 1798 Scenic Avenue: Change of use for Holbrook Hall from higher education to middle school
- 2996 Telegraph Avenue: New self-service car wash with EV charging stations
RSB Regular Meeting September 21 2023
The Rent Stabilization Board will hear an appeal from a master tenant at 2425 Fulton Street, Unit 4, seeking dismissal of a subtenant's petition for illegally high rent. The board also considers consent items including contract amendments totaling $60,000 and creation of an ad hoc committee for potential rent ordinance amendments at the 2024 election. Special presentations on the 2022 Berkeley Tenant Survey and state legislative report are scheduled.
- Appeal Case T-6014: Master tenant at 2425 Fulton Street, Unit 4 appeals hearing decision on subtenant's illegally high rent claim
- Resolution 23-23: Amend contract with Goldfarb & Lipman LLP, increase by $30,000 to total $80,000 through June 2024
- Resolution 23-24: Execute $30,000 contract with Ferdman Consulting through June 2024
- Create Ad Hoc Committee to Consider Rent Ordinance Amendments at 2024 November general election
- Change Ad Hoc Committee on Environmental Sustainability to a standing committee
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold three public hearings: two for use permits at restaurants and one public scoping session for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for a new Solid Waste and Recycling Transfer Station. The board will also consider approving the August 10, 2023 meeting minutes. No final decisions on the transfer station are expected; the scoping session is to collect community input on the EIR scope.
- Use Permit #ZP2022-0159: Change a protected industrial use to a quick-service restaurant with beer/wine at 2701 Eighth Street
- Use Permit #ZP2023-0075: Add distilled spirits to existing restaurant at 3121 Sacramento Street
- Public scoping session for EIR and project preview for new Solid Waste Transfer Station at 1201 Second / 699 Gilman Streets (approx. 114,380 sq ft buildings)
- Demolition of existing City Solid Waste and Recycling Transfer Station and construction of new facility
- Approval of August 10, 2023 meeting minutes
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold public hearings to decide on three use permits for demolition and construction projects. These include a large mixed-use residential building and two smaller property conversions.
- 2147 San Pablo Avenue: Use Permit #ZP2022-0113 for a six-story mixed-use building with 128 Group Living Accommodation units
- 2813 Eighth Street: Use Permit #ZP2022-0109 to convert a laboratory building into a two-story warehouse
- 1515 Derby Street: Use Permit #ZP2023-0045 to build an 1,850 square foot three-story residence
ZAB 7-27
The Zoning Adjustment Board will hold public hearings on several use permits, including a major modification at 2015 Blake Street to build an eight-story, 206-unit building with 23 very low-income units and an 81-space parking garage, requiring an addendum to the certified Environmental Impact Report. Other hearings include an eight-story mixed-use building at 2480 Bancroft Way (28 units), a duplex conversion at 2208 Roosevelt Avenue, and a residential addition at 1601 Harmon Street. The board also will vote on meeting minutes and a committee appointment.
- 2015 Blake Street: public hearing on Use Permit Modification #ZP2022-0178 for 206 units, 23 Very Low-Income units, and 81-space subterranean garage
- 2480 Bancroft Way: public hearing on Use Permit #ZP2022-0148 for a 38,205 sq ft, 8-story mixed-use building with 28 units (2 Very Low-Income) and 2,066 sq ft commercial
- 2208 Roosevelt Avenue: public hearing on Use Permit #ZP2023-0059 to convert a single-family dwelling into two units
- 1601 Harmon Street: hearing on Use Permit #ZP2023-0049 for a 602 sq ft major residential addition and balcony
- Design Review Committee recommendation for a Landscape Architect position
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold a public hearing on an appeal of a zoning officer's approval for a third-story addition at 1524 Campus Drive. The board also will consider use permit applications for porch enclosures and stairs at 1192 Oxford Street and 1432 Blake Street. All items are recommended for approval and are categorically exempt from CEQA review.
- Appeal of ZP2022-0122 for 1524 Campus Drive: third-story addition, fifth bedroom, deck, and pedestrian bridge
- Use Permit ZP2023-0039 for 1192 Oxford Street: enclose porch into powder room and foyer, remodel deck, construct stairs
- Use Permit ZP2022-0180 for 1432 Blake Street: exterior stairs and 100 sq ft enclosed porch on nonconforming lot
- Consent calendar includes approval of June 8, 2023 meeting minutes
RSB Regular Meeting June 15 2023
The Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board will review its fiscal year 2023-2024 budget, staffing model, and expenditure levels. Members will also vote on renewing or modifying contracts with the Eviction Defense Center, East Bay Community Law Center, and other service providers. Additionally, the board will consider a resolution supporting virtual net energy metering and approve a new lease for its office space at 2000 Center Street.
- Adopt FY 2023-2024 line-item budget, staffing model, and expenditure level (Resolution 23-13)
- Approve contracts with Eviction Defense Center ($435,500 annually) and East Bay Community Law Center ($423,605 annually) for FY 2023-2024 and FY 2024-2025
- Extend and increase contract with Brian Augusta & Associates by up to $7,000 through July 31, 2023
- Extend and increase contract with Berkeley Community Media by up to $22,000 for FY 2023-2024
- Vote on Resolution 23-18 supporting Virtual Net Energy Metering
6-8 ZAB
The Zoning Adjustment Board will hold public hearings on three use permit applications: a 144-unit mixed-use building at 3030 Telegraph Avenue with eight below-market-rate units, a 128-unit group-living building at 2147 San Pablo Avenue with 12 very low-income units, and a 113-square-foot addition at 2610 Russell Street. Additionally, the board will hear an appeal of an administrative use permit for a two-car garage at 974 Euclid Avenue and consider approving the minutes from the May 11 meeting.
- 3030 Telegraph Avenue: demolish medical office and two duplexes to build a five-story, 144-unit mixed-use building with 8 BMR units (7 very low-income, 1 low-income), using state density bonus.
- 2147 San Pablo Avenue: demolish auto commercial building to build a six-story, 128-unit group-living building with 12 very low-income units, 1,873 sq ft commercial, and 23 parking spaces.
- 2610 Russell Street: 113 sq ft addition to a two-story single-family residence that exceeds lot coverage.
- 1608 Beverly Place: second-story 291 sq ft addition to a single-family dwelling on an over-lot-coverage lot.
- 974 Euclid Avenue: appeal of administrative use permit for a 420 sq ft two-car garage with car lift in the front half of a residential lot (R-1H zone).
RSB Regular Meeting May 18 2023
The Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board will meet on May 18, 2023, at 7 p.m. Action items include first reading of proposed amendments to regulations on tenant occupancy status challenges and petition filing, second reading of amendments to streamline waiver of penalties on delinquent fees, a letter supporting AB 1218 on demolition of residential units, and a resolution to add an Assistant Management Analyst to the Finance Unit. Information items include an eviction moratorium outreach update and a letter supporting AB 846.
- Proposed amendments to Regulations 525, 1205, and 1210 (first reading) on challenging tenant in occupancy status
- Proposed amendments to Regulations 883 and 884 (second reading) to streamline waiver of penalties and interest
- Letter of support for Assembly Bill 1218 (Lowenthal) on demolition of residential dwelling units
- Resolution 23-12 to add an Assistant Management Analyst in the Finance Unit for FY 2023-2024
- Eviction moratorium outreach update and copy of April mailing to property owners and tenants
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board is reviewing multiple use permit applications for new construction and beverage service changes. Items include high-density residential buildings on University Avenue and Shattuck Avenue, as well as alcohol service modifications at Shattuck Avenue and College Avenue.
- 2049 Shattuck Avenue: Modify use permit to change alcoholic beverage service from beer & wine to include distilled spirits
- 2966 College Avenue: Add sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption at a movie theater
- 1598 University Avenue: Demolish non-residential structure to build an eight-story, 134,409 square-foot mixed-use building with 207 units
- 3000 Shattuck Avenue: Demolish existing gas station to construct a 10-story, 114-foot mixed-use building with 166 dwellings
ZAB 3-30-22
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold public hearings on two major development projects: a 25-story, 397,212-square-foot mixed-use building with up to 326 dwelling units at 2190 Shattuck Ave, and a four-story, 36-unit mixed-use project at 2403 San Pablo Ave. The board will also vote on approving the minutes from March 9, 2023.
- 2190 Shattuck Ave: Use permit modification for a 25-story, 326-unit mixed-use building with 32 Very Low-Income Density Bonus units and 51 parking spaces.
- 2403 San Pablo Ave: Use permit to demolish a one-story commercial building and construct a four-story mixed-use building with 36 condominium units and 603 sq ft retail.
- Approval of action minutes from March 9, 2023.
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustment Board will hold public hearings on eight use permit applications, ranging from small residential projects to large mixed-use buildings. The board will vote on each item, including a 127-unit modification at 3031 Telegraph Avenue and an 83-unit building at 2538 Durant Avenue.
- 3031 Telegraph Avenue – Use Permit Modification to increase units from 110 to 127 in a six-story mixed-use building
- 2538 Durant Avenue – New eight-story, 83-unit mixed-use building with six Very Low-Income units
- 2439 Durant Avenue – Seven-story, 22-unit mixed-use building with restaurant and entertainment
- 2720 Hillegass Avenue – Community center with variance for rear setback, proposed by City of Berkeley
- 2555 College Avenue – Four-story, 11-unit building with one Very Low-Income unit
ZAB 2-23-23
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold public hearings on two projects: a 7-story, 22-unit mixed-use building at 1337-39 Hearst Street (recommended for continuation to April 27, 2023) and a use permit for an existing restaurant at 2930 College Avenue to add distilled spirits, expand outdoor seating, and allow live music (recommended for approval). The board will also elect a Chair and Vice Chair and discuss land acknowledgement and health protocols.
- 1337-39 Hearst Street: Use Permit to demolish existing building and construct 36,529 sq ft, 7-story mixed-use with 22 dwelling units, roof deck, and entertainment use with distilled spirits; recommended to CONTINUE
- 2930 College Avenue (In the Wood restaurant): Use Permit to add Type 47 ABC license, expand outdoor seating by 239 sq ft, allow indoor unamplified live music; recommended to APPROVE
- 2439 Durant Avenue – new public hearing (no details in agenda)
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair for the coming year
- Staff communications on Land Acknowledgement and health/safety protocols for in-person meetings
ZAB_2022-09-08
The Zoning Adjustments Board is meeting to decide on several use permits for residential and commercial developments. The board will also hold a public scoping session for a large mixed-use building on San Pablo Avenue.
- 742 Grayson Street: Proposal to build a 213,000 square-foot R&D and manufacturing building with 325 parking spaces
- 2136 San Pablo Avenue: Public hearing for a 123-unit, 6-story mixed-use building with 10 very low-income units
- 2327 Oregon Street: Proposal to build a 2,614 square-foot two-story single-family dwelling
- 2390 Fourth Street: Use permit for a restaurant to serve beer and wine under a Type 23 license
- 1151 Grizzly Peak Boulevard: Application to legalize an accessory building in the rear setback
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustment Board will hold public hearings on three use permits: adding a cannabis consumption lounge and amplified live music at 2506 Haste Street, converting a single-family home to a duplex at 1341 Addison Street, and constructing a three-unit live/work building at 919 Camelia Street. The board will also consider approving minutes from previous meetings and receive staff reports on chair elections and a return to in-person meetings.
- 2506 Haste Street: Use Permit #ZP2022-0074 to add a cannabis consumption lounge and amplified live music to an existing cannabis retail storefront.
- 1341 Addison Street: Use Permit #ZP2022-0089 to construct an addition for a new dwelling unit and convert single-family to a 3,500 sq ft duplex with six bedrooms and two off-street parking spaces.
- 919 Camelia Street: Use Permit #ZP2022-0020 to construct a 6,989 sq ft, three-story, three-unit live/work building with three parking spaces on a vacant lot.
- Election of ZAB Chair and Vice Chair to be held at the February 23, 2023 meeting.
- Staff memorandum on update regarding return to in-person meetings.
RSB Regular Meeting March 16 2023
The Rent Stabilization Board is holding a public hearing and voting on annual registration fees for various rental unit types. The board is also considering support for state legislation regarding fair chance housing and rental rates.
- Proposed $290 fee for fully-covered units
- Proposed $178 fee for partially-covered Measure MM units
- Proposed $37 fee for partially-covered Measure MM units in affordable housing projects
- Proposed $70 fee for fraternity and sorority summer rental periods
- Contract modifications for Goldfarb & Lipman LLP (up to $20,000) and Sloan Sakai Yeung & Wong LLP (up to $80,000)
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustment Board will hold public hearings on four use permits: legalizing an unpermitted addition and adding two ADUs at 2600 Benvenue Ave, constructing a new single-family home at 612 Cragmont Ave, establishing a winery with tasting room at 725-A Gilman St, and hearing an appeal of a 6-foot fence on a retaining wall at 870 Santa Barbara Rd. The board will also approve minutes from February meetings.
- 2600 Benvenue Ave – Use Permit to legalize unpermitted addition and add two ADUs (1,723 sq ft) to apartment building
- 612 Cragmont Ave – Use Permit for new 2,095 sq ft single-family dwelling and garage on vacant lot
- 725-A Gilman St – Use Permit for winery with tasting room and incidental retail under Type 2 ABC license
- 870 Santa Barbara Rd – Appeal of Zoning Officer decision approving 6-foot fence on 3-foot retaining wall
- Consent Calendar approval of action minutes from February 9 and February 23, 2023
RSB Regular Meeting February 16 2023
The Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board will meet via Zoom to discuss continuing teleconference-only meetings past the state of emergency, consider waivers for late property registrations, and hear an appeal regarding a rent adjustment.
- Discussion to continue teleconference-only meetings past state of emergency
- Waivers for late registration penalties at 2624 Regent and 1278 Delaware
- Appeal of rent adjustment decision at 2705 Ridge Road, #14
- Discussion on extending the Eviction Moratorium
- Resolution honoring Assembly Member William Byron Rumford for racial justice
RSB Regular Meeting January 19 2023
The Rent Stabilization Board is considering a letter to the University of California regarding its property agreement with Blackstone’s Real Estate Income Trust Inc. Fund. The Board will also discuss adopting a resolution to continue meeting exclusively via teleconference during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
- Discussion of letter to University of California regarding Blackstone's Real Estate Income Trust Inc. Fund agreement
- Proposal to disband the Ad Hoc Committee on Rent Board Technology Issues
- Resolution 23-01 to allow continued teleconference meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency
- Adoption of 2023 Committee Assignments and establishment of a Sustainability Committee
- Waiver requests for late registration penalties at various property addresses
ZAB
This Zoning Adjustment Board meeting includes public hearings on seven use permits for development projects. The board will consider a 7-story, 68-unit mixed-use building at 1752 Shattuck Avenue with a mitigated negative declaration, plus a 44-unit project at 1820 San Pablo Avenue and a 24-unit project at 1773 Oxford Street. Also up for vote is a 22-unit mixed-use building at 2439 Durant Avenue, with a recommendation to approve most permits but deny those for alcohol service and entertainment.
- 1752 Shattuck Avenue: demolish one-story commercial, build 7-story, 68-unit mixed-use with 7 very-low-income units, staff recommends approval
- 1820 San Pablo Avenue: demolish commercial, build 5-story, 44-unit mixed-use with 4 very-low-income units, staff recommends approval
- 1773 Oxford Street: demolish six-unit building, build 5-story, 24-unit multifamily with 3 very-low-income units, staff recommends approval
- 2439 Durant Avenue: demolish commercial, build 7-story, 22-unit mixed-use; staff recommends approving most permits but denying those for distilled spirits and entertainment
- 469 Kentucky Avenue: demolish single-family home, build 3,310 sq ft three-story residence with garage, staff recommends approval